Overview
Taking birth control while pregnant can have serious consequences for both mother and child. Birth control may interfere with a baby’s development and may increase the risk of birth defects and other complications. It is important to understand the potential dangers of taking birth control while pregnant.
In this article, we will explore the risks and potential outcomes of taking birth control while pregnant:
What is birth control?
Birth control is a form of contraception intended to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods fall into two main categories: hormonal methods such as the pill, patch, and ring; and non-hormonal methods such as the diaphragm, condom, and sterilization procedures.
It is important to understand that birth control does not protect from sexually transmitted infections or diseases. For this reason, it is recommended that you use condoms in addition to other forms of birth control for added protection.
Birth control also does not provide an abortion – any woman who believes she might be pregnant should take a pregnancy test and seek medical advice right away.
Using birth control while pregnant can put the life of the unborn baby at risk and should therefore be avoided. It can also cause complications with childbirth or development issues. In addition, certain hormones found in certain types of birth control could have an impact on fetal growth and health. For these reasons, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before taking any type of birth control medication.
How does it work?
Birth control pills work by preventing your body from ovulating, and also by thickening the cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching the egg. However, if you are pregnant, these mechanisms do not prevent the pregnancy from proceeding. Taking birth control pills while pregnant is not recommended as it can cause complications in both mother and baby.
The hormones in birth control pills can affect a growing pregnancy, either by preventing vital nutrients from getting to the embryo or triggering mild contractions which could result in a miscarriage. Additionally, some types of birth control contain hormones that are known to increase progesterone, a hormone important for a healthy pregnancy. If taken during pregnancy, these hormones could reduce the amount of progesterone available to sustain a healthy fetus. In some cases this could cause life-threatening problems such as preterm delivery and low birth weight babies.
Women should avoid taking any form of medication during their first trimester in order to ensure that they do not put their unborn baby at risk. It is advisable for any woman who suspects she may be pregnant and is already taking a form of birth control to seek medical advice immediately.
Risks of Taking Birth Control While Pregnant
Taking birth control while pregnant carries a few risks that must be considered before making a decision. Birth control can interact with the hormones naturally produced during pregnancy and can have a negative effect on the health of both the mother and the unborn child. It is important to understand the potential risks before making a decision.
Let’s take a look at the potential risks of taking birth control while pregnant:
- Interaction with hormones naturally produced during pregnancy.
- Negative effect on the health of both the mother and the unborn child.
Possible miscarriage
Taking birth control while pregnant can potentially cause a miscarriage, which is the natural ending of a pregnancy. Most miscarriages happen during the first trimester (the first 12 weeks) of pregnancy and are usually caused by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Taking birth control during this time could be harmful to the fetus and increase your risk for a miscarriage.
If you are pregnant and believe that you have taken birth control of any kind, contact your healthcare provider immediately. A doctor can use an ultrasound to confirm if you have been pregnant long enough for the baby to form normally or if there is any abnormal tissue that could mean a miscarriage has already occurred. If your baby cannot be saved, the doctor will typically advise against continuing with the birth control pills or patches.
Doctors usually advise expectant mothers to avoid taking any additional medications throughout the pregnancy, as it could cause more harm than good.
Potential birth defects
When taking birth control during pregnancy, there may be an increased risk of birth defects in the baby. Research studies have not confirmed a direct link between taking birth control and birth defects, but some associations with increased risk of certain types of deformed or abnormal fetuses are possible. Most expert sources recommend refraining from using any form of hormonal contraception in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to minimize any potential risks to the health and wellbeing of the unborn baby.
Contraceptive hormones, such as progesterone, estrogen and other synthetic progestins have been associated with an increased prevalence of limb reduction or structural malformation disorders in infants. The most commonly reported effects associated include isolated clubfoot and eye abnormalities; however, further research is needed to better understand these correlations. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that taking contraceptives will prevent a woman’s body from harboring a fetus even while they are actively using birth control methods.
Therefore, it is important to visit your doctor regularly during pregnancy and take regular precautions when considering contraception use.
Increased risk of preterm labor
Taking birth control while pregnant can have serious risks to the mother and baby. The most serious risk is associated with the development of preterm labor, meaning labor that begins before 37 weeks gestation. Because the hormones in birth control pills can stimulate muscle contractions throughout the body, including in the uterus, there is an increased risk for mothers taking hormonal contraception during pregnancy of going into labor too soon.
Preterm labor not only increases risks to both mother and baby such as infection and low birth weight but also can lead to complications from delivery prior to 37 weeks. As such it is very important for anyone currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy in the near future to avoid taking hormonal contraception and discuss other contraceptive options with their healthcare provider.
Alternatives to Taking Birth Control While Pregnant
Taking birth control while pregnant is not recommended as it can cause serious risks to the baby’s development. Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives to taking birth control while pregnant that can help you manage your pregnancy safely.
In this article, we will explore some of the alternatives to taking birth control while pregnant and discuss the benefits and risks associated with them:
Natural birth control methods
If you’re looking for alternatives to taking birth control while pregnant, there are a variety of natural birth control methods you can use. It’s important to understand that none of these methods offer 100 percent protection against pregnancy, so keep in mind that if you choose any of these alternatives, it is still possible to become pregnant.
- Natural family planning – This method tracks a woman’s menstrual cycle and period dates and uses that information to determine the fertile days of the month. This method works best when a woman keeps careful track of her cycles and has sex only during her non-fertile periods.
- Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) – This method utilizes breast feeding as a natural form of contraception—the prolactin from breastfeeding suppresses ovulation and makes it difficult for women to conceive. Women who have given birth within the last 6 months and plan on breastfeeding exclusively can also use LAM as an effective birth control measure though it is still possible to become pregnant while using this method.
- Condoms – Male or female condoms act as physical barriers between semen and an egg providing protection against most STDs and pregnancy when used correctly. Condoms must be used each time you have sex in order to be effective at preventing pregnancy and they should also be used in combination with other forms of birth control such as spermicides if desired.
- Cloth pads or tampons – By wearing cloth pads or tampons during your period, rather than disposables, bacteria is kept away from entering your vagina – reducing the chance of fertilization happening at that time. This might seem like an obvious choice, but it is always good to have options when deciding on how best to reduce your chance fertility window.
No matter what alternative methods you choose, make sure you familiarize yourself with them before using them in lieu of traditional forms of birth control like hormonal contraceptives or IUDs; understanding all safety measures associated with each one ensures proper use for maximum protection against unwanted pregnancy!
Non-hormonal contraceptives
Non-hormonal contraceptives are an alternative to hormonal birth control for pregnant women who aren’t looking to take hormones. These methods generally do not directly impact hormone levels, and though some can affect fertility, they typically don’t carry the risk of harm or lasting changes to your body.
Some of the non-hormonal contraceptives available include:
- Condoms: Male or female condoms are designed to prevent sperm from entering the uterus by providing a physical barrier between them. Condoms are most effective when used in combination with spermicide, which helps make it hard for any sperm that may get through the condom to survive long enough to reach an egg.
- Diaphragms: A diaphragm is a small silicone cup that fits over your cervix and blocks ejaculated sperm from entering your uterus. It should be left in for at least 6 hours after sex and is used in combination with spermicidal jelly.
- IUDs (intrauterine devices): There are two types of IUDs – hormonal and non-hormonal – though only non-hormonal IUDs are recommended for pregnant women. The IUD is a small device inserted into your uterus that releases copper ions, which makes it hard for sperm to survive inside you long enough to reach an egg. Non-hormonal IUDs can last up to 5 years without needing replacement and can be removed by a healthcare provider if desired or needed before that time frame.
Each of these options has its benefits and drawbacks, but they’re all worth discussing with your care provider if you’re looking for alternatives to taking hormonal birth control while pregnant.
Abstinence
Abstaining from sex during pregnancy is one of the most reliable forms of birth control. It eliminates any possibility of transmitting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or becoming pregnant during the nine months of pregnancy. Couples should always use protection when engaging in any kind of sexual activity, but it is especially important to ensure that both partners are safe during pregnancy. Abstinence does not only refer to abstaining from sexual intercourse, but also abstaining from any kind of sexual activity such as oral sex, anal sex, and mutual masturbation.
Couples should also be aware that any contraceptive measure is ineffective once either partner becomes pregnant.
If couples choose to be sexually active while pregnant, they must take great care to prevent unwanted pregnancy and protect against STIs. As stated above, abstinence is the only form of contraception that is effective while a woman is pregnant; other methods are rendered ineffective upon conception. When it comes to safe sex during pregnancy, condoms and other barrier methods should be used in combination with another form of birth control until after delivery. It is also very important for partners to talk openly about their STI status so that proper precautions can be taken if either partner tests positive for an infection before or during the pregnancy.
Conclusion
It is clear from the research and discussions about taking birth control while pregnant, that this is not a good decision for any woman. Taking birth control while pregnant can cause a number of health and safety risks for both the mother and the baby. The risks can range from mild to severe, such as premature birth or even death in some cases.
Therefore, it is best for women not to take birth control while pregnant, but to consult a doctor if they are considering doing so.
Summary of risks and alternatives
Taking birth control while pregnant has the potential to cause serious risks and side effects. The effects depend on the type of contraception being taken and how long into the pregnancy it has been taken for, and any side effects are often amplified if more than one form of contraception is taken.
Common risks include:
- Preterm delivery
- Congenital birth defects
- Decreased fertility in later life
- Developmental disability or learning impairments for the baby if contraceptives are taken late in pregnancy
It is important to always consult a health care provider before taking any medication during pregnancy and not to rely on self-medication as a means of contraception. If a woman finds herself unexpectedly pregnant while using birth control, it is important to discontinue use immediately and talk to her doctor about alternative forms of contraception during pregnancy such as condoms or other barrier methods. Careful consideration should be given to any method used throughout pregnancy.
Takeaways and advice
It is important to remember that taking birth control while pregnant can have serious consequences. Since birth control has hormones, it can lead to hormone imbalances in the fetus that may affect its development and health. Birth control also affects the mother, leading to possible drug interactions and other side effects.
If you think that you might be pregnant, it is important to stop taking any oral or topical birth control or any other medications until after you have been checked out by a doctor.
Furthermore, if you are not pregnant but are sexually active, it is important to use a reliable form of contraception such as condoms or diaphragms in order to avoid becoming pregnant in the future.
Additionally, if you are trying to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the best options for contraception and determine which one(s) will work best for your situation. Taking all of these steps can help ensure that you maintain a healthy pregnancy and avoid potential risks associated with taking birth control while pregnant.